Vintage MTB To Upright Bar / Urban Bike Conversions
#401
Bikes are okay, I guess.
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Richmond, Virginia
Posts: 6,938
Bikes: Waterford Paramount Touring, Giant CFM-2, Raleigh Sports 3-speeds in M23 & L23, Schwinn Cimarron oddball build, Marin Palisades Trail dropbar conversion, Nishiki Cresta GT
Mentioned: 69 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2647 Post(s)
Liked 2,446 Times
in
1,557 Posts
Thanks for the kind words. It's kind of an obsession of mine to build each bicycle into the best it can be. That gets to be expensive, and I have difficulty selling them for that reason. But my collection is still growing nonetheless.
Here's my next project, a 1985 Dawes Ranger:
[SIZE="3"]I know it is the first MTB I have heard of built with Reynolds 531 tubing.[/SIZE]
Here's my next project, a 1985 Dawes Ranger:
[SIZE="3"]I know it is the first MTB I have heard of built with Reynolds 531 tubing.[/SIZE]
#402
Old Boy
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 2,127
Bikes: Mostly 1st-generation, top-of-the-line, non-unicrown MTBs/ATBs: All 1984 models: Dawes Ranger, Peugeot Canyon Express, Ross Mt. Whitney (chrome), Schwinn High Sierra, and a 1983 Trek 850.
Mentioned: 134 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 984 Post(s)
Liked 1,715 Times
in
611 Posts
That is one very fine MTB. The only thing I would change would be the fork. I know the reasons why they say that unicrown is better than lugged, but aesthetically I'll take the lugged fork every time. And the Europe Express came with a Brooks Flyer? How cool is that? Do you miss it?
.
.
#403
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Dallas / Ft Worth
Posts: 1,162
Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 213 Post(s)
Liked 1,509 Times
in
409 Posts
Enjoyed a longish ride for me of 40 miles on my Trek 950 today.
I think temps topped out in the mid 50's with lots of sunshine.
I'm tired from the ride but the good kind of satisfying tiredness from a good ride.
I think temps topped out in the mid 50's with lots of sunshine.
I'm tired from the ride but the good kind of satisfying tiredness from a good ride.
Likes For cooperryder:
#404
Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: South central Kansas
Posts: 87
Bikes: Western Flyer, Schwinn, Rollfast, Gambles, J.C. Higgins, Waverley, Crescent, Hercules, Nishiki, Huffy, Mohawk, AMF, Electra, A ridable replica hi-wheel and a few others.
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 42 Post(s)
Liked 45 Times
in
19 Posts
#405
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Dallas / Ft Worth
Posts: 1,162
Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 213 Post(s)
Liked 1,509 Times
in
409 Posts
Oh, you mean the Tioga Powerblock tires.
See this link to post 355 of this thread.
https://www.bikeforums.net/21076068-post355.html
See this link to post 355 of this thread.
https://www.bikeforums.net/21076068-post355.html
#406
Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: South central Kansas
Posts: 87
Bikes: Western Flyer, Schwinn, Rollfast, Gambles, J.C. Higgins, Waverley, Crescent, Hercules, Nishiki, Huffy, Mohawk, AMF, Electra, A ridable replica hi-wheel and a few others.
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 42 Post(s)
Liked 45 Times
in
19 Posts
Cool! Thanks!
#408
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Dallas / Ft Worth
Posts: 1,162
Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 213 Post(s)
Liked 1,509 Times
in
409 Posts
See this particular reply.
I included pics.
https://www.bikeforums.net/20519832-post119.html
As I've gotten older the taller stem and handlebars with a good rise are more comfortable for me.
#409
Senior Member
Don’t think I’ve posted mine here; a 1985 Peugeot Canyon Express. Bought at a thrift store some 15 or so years ago, tried to sell it (thank goodness no one wanted it), been riding it since. Couple years ago I converted it into my do-all / touring rig:
Some nice details on this frame. Powdercoat for durability.
Some nice details on this frame. Powdercoat for durability.
#410
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Dallas / Ft Worth
Posts: 1,162
Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 213 Post(s)
Liked 1,509 Times
in
409 Posts
Don’t think I’ve posted mine here; a 1985 Peugeot Canyon Express. Bought at a thrift store some 15 or so years ago, tried to sell it (thank goodness no one wanted it), been riding it since. Couple years ago I converted it into my do-all / touring rig:
Some nice details on this frame. Powdercoat for durability.
Some nice details on this frame. Powdercoat for durability.
Looks like your powder coater did a good job of two toning the colors.
Love the XTR rear derailer!
15 years, I expect you have had some fun adventures on that bike.
Was the powder coat 15 years ago?
If so , its held up very well.
#411
Quidam Bike Super Hero
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Stone Mountain, GA (Metro Atlanta, East)
Posts: 1,135
Bikes: 1995 Trek 800 Sport, aka, "CamelTrek"
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 331 Post(s)
Liked 415 Times
in
282 Posts
My daily commuter (sans the front bag experiment.
Likes For Digger Goreman:
#412
Senior Member
That's a great looking bike Smokinapankake!
Looks like your powder coater did a good job of two toning the colors.
Love the XTR rear derailer!
15 years, I expect you have had some fun adventures on that bike.
Was the powder coat 15 years ago?
If so , its held up very well.
Looks like your powder coater did a good job of two toning the colors.
Love the XTR rear derailer!
15 years, I expect you have had some fun adventures on that bike.
Was the powder coat 15 years ago?
If so , its held up very well.
Powdercoat was done only a few years ago, when I built it up as you see. If you look closely at the head tube, there is some bleeding but I think a gold lug lining job would take care of that. Rear derailleur is shimano’s much maligned rapid rise version that didn’t work too well with the thumbshifters so I replaced them with some Deore rapid fire triggers I had laying around. I love rapid rise rear shifting so if anybody has any hanging around I’ll take them! Bike rides very nice; plush like a Cadillac!
#413
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Dallas / Ft Worth
Posts: 1,162
Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 213 Post(s)
Liked 1,509 Times
in
409 Posts
https://www.jonesbikes.com/jones-h-ba...aluminum-loop/
Has anyone onlist tried one of these?
I'm seriously thinking of ordering one for one of my Trek 950's.
Has anyone onlist tried one of these?
Jones H-Bar Loop SG 2.5 Aluminum Loop.
I'm seriously thinking of ordering one for one of my Trek 950's.
#414
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Kips Bay, NY
Posts: 2,212
Bikes: Ritchey Swiss Cross | Teesdale Kona Hot | Haro Extreme | Specialized Stumpjumper Comp | Cannondale F1000 | Shogun 1000 | Cannondale M500 | Norco Charger | Marin Muirwoods 29er | Shogun Kaze | Breezer Lightning
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 576 Post(s)
Liked 1,003 Times
in
488 Posts
Really wanted to keep the Ti straight bars, so went all out on spacers
#415
Happy banana slug
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Arcata, California, U.S., North America, Earth, Saggitarius Arm, Milky Way
Posts: 3,696
Bikes: 1984 Araya MB 261, 1992 Specialized Rockhopper Sport, 1993 Hard Rock Ultra, 1994 Trek Multitrack 750, 1995 Trek Singletrack 930
Mentioned: 31 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1533 Post(s)
Liked 1,530 Times
in
917 Posts
cooperryder I have one, and I like it. Lots of room for stuff and/or hand positions.
#416
Senior Member
#417
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Kips Bay, NY
Posts: 2,212
Bikes: Ritchey Swiss Cross | Teesdale Kona Hot | Haro Extreme | Specialized Stumpjumper Comp | Cannondale F1000 | Shogun 1000 | Cannondale M500 | Norco Charger | Marin Muirwoods 29er | Shogun Kaze | Breezer Lightning
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 576 Post(s)
Liked 1,003 Times
in
488 Posts
#418
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2014
Location: USA
Posts: 1,823
Bikes: 1996 Trek 970 ZX Single Track 2x11
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 614 Post(s)
Liked 565 Times
in
429 Posts
Thanks. I understand that slicks have great traction on smooth pavement, but Humboldt County roads are a rolling disaster. Our potholes have patches, which have holes with patches, which have holes. I was looking at these Fairweathers. Or maybe Schwalbe Big Bens ...
Have a set of them coming right now, for an upright commuter build I'm currently doing. I'll post some pics once I've got it whipped into shape. Schwalbe Big Bens in 26x2.15in. Should be comfy.
#419
Happy banana slug
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Arcata, California, U.S., North America, Earth, Saggitarius Arm, Milky Way
Posts: 3,696
Bikes: 1984 Araya MB 261, 1992 Specialized Rockhopper Sport, 1993 Hard Rock Ultra, 1994 Trek Multitrack 750, 1995 Trek Singletrack 930
Mentioned: 31 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1533 Post(s)
Liked 1,530 Times
in
917 Posts
Clyde1820 I ended up with Rubena City Hoppers in brown, 26" x 2". They're cruiser tires, so fairly slick. I like them, especially as I can run them at fairly low pressure; 35psi in front, 45 in back. They're fast and cushy.
Please, I'd love to know how you like the Big Bens; these tires aren't going to last forever.
Please, I'd love to know how you like the Big Bens; these tires aren't going to last forever.
#420
Old Boy
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 2,127
Bikes: Mostly 1st-generation, top-of-the-line, non-unicrown MTBs/ATBs: All 1984 models: Dawes Ranger, Peugeot Canyon Express, Ross Mt. Whitney (chrome), Schwinn High Sierra, and a 1983 Trek 850.
Mentioned: 134 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 984 Post(s)
Liked 1,715 Times
in
611 Posts
Dawes Ranger Project, Nearly Done
This project has been a real labor of love. The Dawes Ranger was one of the first mass-produced MTBs out of England. The decals say it was handbuilt out of Reynolds 531 "All Terrain" tubing. It has the longest wheelbase I've ever seen on a production bicycle, ouside of tandems, that is.
The wheelbase is so long, in fact, that a normal chain would not fit. I had to purchase 8 extra links to get the modern Deore 10-speed derailleur to shift properly. I don't normally post in-process photos of my bikes, but winter is taking too long, and I'm getting impatient. I'm not going to ride this bike on salty roads, but right now, here it is in rideable mockup form:
Of course the fenders are going to need fine tuning for correct positioning. It looks like I'm going to have to make a custom bracket for the front. It is going to get a bag support and large waxed-canvas saddlebag, and a smaller waxed-canvas handlebar bag. A bell and a rearview mirror will complete the build, along with a good polishing and touchup paint. I can't wait to start test-riding this thing, but I'll have to for at least another month, maybe two.
P.S.
I see that there is a "before" shot of this bike at the top of the page.
.
The wheelbase is so long, in fact, that a normal chain would not fit. I had to purchase 8 extra links to get the modern Deore 10-speed derailleur to shift properly. I don't normally post in-process photos of my bikes, but winter is taking too long, and I'm getting impatient. I'm not going to ride this bike on salty roads, but right now, here it is in rideable mockup form:
Of course the fenders are going to need fine tuning for correct positioning. It looks like I'm going to have to make a custom bracket for the front. It is going to get a bag support and large waxed-canvas saddlebag, and a smaller waxed-canvas handlebar bag. A bell and a rearview mirror will complete the build, along with a good polishing and touchup paint. I can't wait to start test-riding this thing, but I'll have to for at least another month, maybe two.
P.S.
I see that there is a "before" shot of this bike at the top of the page.
.
__________________
Roulez pour la joie, jamais pour la douleur.
USMC 1981-1991 Semper Fi!
Roulez pour la joie, jamais pour la douleur.
USMC 1981-1991 Semper Fi!
Likes For DQRider:
#421
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Dallas / Ft Worth
Posts: 1,162
Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 213 Post(s)
Liked 1,509 Times
in
409 Posts
cooperryder I have one, and I like it. Lots of room for stuff and/or hand positions.
Thanks for the input.
Much appreciated.
Likes For cooperryder:
#422
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Dallas / Ft Worth
Posts: 1,162
Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 213 Post(s)
Liked 1,509 Times
in
409 Posts
This project has been a real labor of love. The Dawes Ranger was one of the first mass-produced MTBs out of England. The decals say it was handbuilt out of Reynolds 531 "All Terrain" tubing. It has the longest wheelbase I've ever seen on a production bicycle, ouside of tandems, that is.
The wheelbase is so long, in fact, that a normal chain would not fit. I had to purchase 8 extra links to get the modern Deore 10-speed derailleur to shift properly. I don't normally post in-process photos of my bikes, but winter is taking too long, and I'm getting impatient. I'm not going to ride this bike on salty roads, but right now, here it is in rideable mockup form:
.
The wheelbase is so long, in fact, that a normal chain would not fit. I had to purchase 8 extra links to get the modern Deore 10-speed derailleur to shift properly. I don't normally post in-process photos of my bikes, but winter is taking too long, and I'm getting impatient. I'm not going to ride this bike on salty roads, but right now, here it is in rideable mockup form:
.
Nice color combo!
How long are the chainstays and also wheelbase?
Is it Rivendell long?
#423
Old Boy
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 2,127
Bikes: Mostly 1st-generation, top-of-the-line, non-unicrown MTBs/ATBs: All 1984 models: Dawes Ranger, Peugeot Canyon Express, Ross Mt. Whitney (chrome), Schwinn High Sierra, and a 1983 Trek 850.
Mentioned: 134 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 984 Post(s)
Liked 1,715 Times
in
611 Posts
Last night I fettled it a bit more, and at least got the fenders lined up with the tires, but they are still about 1/2 inch too high. So, custom brackets for both, I guess. I've got some stainless stock that should do nicely. I also fine-tuned the drivetrain, and that 1x10 setup shifts like buttah! I'm using a Wolf Tooth narrow-wide chainring on the front, and the RD has a clutch, so I don't have to worry about dropping the chain.
We got another 2 inches of snow last night, and a fresh coating of salt/sand on the roads, so I won't be able to ride it anytime soon. I can hardly wait! C'mon Spring!
.
__________________
Roulez pour la joie, jamais pour la douleur.
USMC 1981-1991 Semper Fi!
Roulez pour la joie, jamais pour la douleur.
USMC 1981-1991 Semper Fi!
#424
Junior Member
I started a thread on this a couple days ago, but I figured I’d also put it here. I love these old MTB conversions. 1988 cannondale SM500
#425
Senior Member
My wife's Cinelli 'The Next Machine'.
Likes For rjhammett: